Redshirt report: Alvin Bailey

Simply put, Bailey wasn’t ready to play wide receiver at the college level. A talented athlete, Bailey played quarterback at Seffner Armwood High School and wasn’t ready to compete at what was basically (he played receiver in 7-on-7 tournaments) a new position, especially in a pro-style offense where receivers coach Joker Phillips put a new emphasis on timing and precise route-running.

Depth at the position

Currently the Gators have nine scholarship receivers and two on the way. So, on paper, there is a lot of depth at the position.

However, it doesn’t take a football junkie to look at the team last season and come to the conclusion that while the numbers are good, the Gators are still searching for playmakers.

Quinton Dunbar will play, that we know. Ahmad Fulwood will likely earn the starting job across from him, we think. Other than that it’s wide open.

Player Evaluation

A smaller receiver, Bailey projects to fit in as a slot guy at Florida.

He’s quicker than fast but can be dynamic with the ball in his hands. Get this kid the ball in space and he can make things happen. The Gators haven’t been able to effectively get anyone the ball in space for quite some time but new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper has shown a propensity to get a lot of production out of little.

2014 Prognosis

Joker Phillips will still harp on running crisp, timely routes — not Bailey’s strength — but with a quicker, more spread out offense it isn’t as critical. Bailey is a guy that can have some set packages specifically designed for him — bubble screens, jet sweeps etc.

He’s a smaller, quicker receiver who can make people miss in space and potentially a weapon for Roper to use as the Gators look to bounce back in 2014.

Everyone will start with a clean slate this spring and Bailey will have a chance to earn playing time in Florida’s revamped offense.

About Nick de la Torre

A South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGC

Simply put, Bailey wasn’t ready to play wide receiver at the college level. A talented athlete, Bailey played quarterback at Seffner Armwood High School and wasn’t ready to compete at what was basically (he played receiver in 7-on-7 tournaments) a new position, especially in a pro-style offense where receivers coach Joker Phillips put a new emphasis on timing and precise route-running.

Depth at the position

Currently the Gators have nine scholarship receivers and two on the way. So, on paper, there is a lot of depth at the position.

However, it doesn’t take a football junkie to look at the team last season and come to the conclusion that while the numbers are good, the Gators are still searching for playmakers.

Quinton Dunbar will play, that we know. Ahmad Fulwood will likely earn the starting job across from him, we think. Other than that it’s wide open.

Player Evaluation

A smaller receiver, Bailey projects to fit in as a slot guy at Florida.

He’s quicker than fast but can be dynamic with the ball in his hands. Get this kid the ball in space and he can make things happen. The Gators haven’t been able to effectively get anyone the ball in space for quite some time but new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper has shown a propensity to get a lot of production out of little.

2014 Prognosis

Joker Phillips will still harp on running crisp, timely routes — not Bailey’s strength — but with a quicker, more spread out offense it isn’t as critical. Bailey is a guy that can have some set packages specifically designed for him — bubble screens, jet sweeps etc.

He’s a smaller, quicker receiver who can make people miss in space and potentially a weapon for Roper to use as the Gators look to bounce back in 2014.

Everyone will start with a clean slate this spring and Bailey will have a chance to earn playing time in Florida’s revamped offense.

Nick de la TorreNickde la Torrenick@gatorcountry.comAuthorA South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGCGatorCountry.com